Remember when “The Animal People” visited your school or birthday party?

That’s us! We are the animal people you see at schools, hospitals, museums, nursing homes, conventions, weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties for ALL ages. We offer unique animal encounters and experiences unlike any other. Many of the animals we work with are exclusive to our program and cannot be found elsewhere on the West coast. Have you ever wanted to meet a serval cat? Does your kid love reptiles and want an all-snake/lizard birthday party? Want us to bring a camel to your church’s nativity scene? Would you like animals to attend your wedding? Contact us to learn more about the services and animal encounters we can provide!

While “The Animal People” was established in 2025, our founders Kellen McCallister, Rebecca Kopel, and Lynette Lyon have been friends since 2021. Kellen McCallister, Rebecca Kopel, and Lynette Lyon all have a passion for animals and agreed to start a business together in order to support the 10 acre animal refuge called Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals.

Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals 501(c)(3) was officially established in 2000, but Lyon Ranch has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals for well over 40 years.

Lyon Ranch is now under the leadership of Lynette Lyon, who grew up during the formative years of the ranch and has always had a lead role in its development. Lynette is Lyon Ranch’s CEO and has been trained in animal behavior as well as the hand rearing of animals. With 35 years of experience in animal rescue/rehabilitation Lynette has become integral to the operations of the rescue.

In recent years Lynette has been joined by Rebecca Kopel (Biologist) and Kellen McCallister (Operations Manager) in the care and management of the ranch and its inhabitants. Rebecca is originally from Dallas, Texas but moved to California in order to pursue two degrees in biology (Marine Biology B.S., Biology M.S.) Rebecca has recently earned her Master’s of Science degree in biology and freshwater conservation and now serves as a member of the Lyon Ranch team. Kellen McCallister is a native of SLO California who fell in love with Sonoma during his college years at Sonoma State University. Kellen has a background in managing animal rescues in addition to his corporate experience. After moving to Sonoma County in 2021, Kellen joined the Lyon Ranch team as property manager and has remained a valuable member of our sanctuary, now serving as Program Director.

“The Animal People” seeks to provide direct monetary support for veterinary care, feed, housing, and enrichment of the animals at Lyon Ranch.